EXPERIENCE TOURISM
Nowadays, we can confidently say that tourism professionals are encountering a growing number of tourists who desire more than just visiting landmarks and acting as mere observers. It’s clear that today’s tourists want to take the lead in their adventures around the world. They seek to transcend superficiality, embrace authentic experiences, and forge meaningful connections and lasting memories that hold far greater value than simple photos and videos of the sights they’ve visited.
Experience tourism stands out primarily for its purpose, not just the places to be visited. The meaning or purpose of the trip represents the essence of experiential tourism, promoting a more significant immersion into the culture, habits, customs, and even the daily activities of the tourist destination. In this type of “modality,” travelers participate, interact, and feel the essence of the place, rather than just visiting the highlighted locations in standardized, mass-market itineraries.
What typically comes to mind when a tourist hears the name of Rio de Janeiro, globally known as the “Marvelous City”? Usually, people arriving in Rio have already researched Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, Arcos da Lapa, Escadaria Selarón, Carnival, Copacabana Beach, Maracanã Stadium, among others. As a tourism professional, I recommend visiting these places, but I also want to emphasize that there are other ways to experience Rio de Janeiro in a unique way that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on your life. For example:
Discover Sugarloaf Mountain by walking along the Pista Cláudio Coutinho (the most common and accessible trail) or by taking the Costão do Pão de Açúcar trail (a more challenging trail that includes an easy climbing section).
Visit Corcovado, home to one of the seven wonders of the modern world, Christ the Redeemer, via the Parque Lage-Corcovado Trail.
Participate in a street samba school rehearsal.
Explore historical sites related to the history of Black people in Rio de Janeiro.
Play soccer with local residents.
Visit an outdoor fruit market, try a sugarcane juice (“caldo de cana”), eat a “pastel” (fried pastry), and delight in the wide variety of fruits and vegetables in our country.
Participate in a Brazilian gastronomy class.
Hiking on the various trails in the city of Rio de Janeiro, such as:
Pedra da Gávea – The view is incredible.
Morro Dois Irmãos – The sunrise is unforgettable.
Pedra Bonita – The landscape is breathtaking.
Horseback riding through nature, with the chance to swim in a river.
Admiring the sunrise from Pedra do Telégrafo.
Hiking through Tijuca Forest, exploring the various caves in the region, and enjoying a wonderful waterfall swim.
When we talk about “experience tourism,” the main difference isn’t just about visiting, seeing sights, or taking photos. It’s about feeling and living the moment through immersion and interaction with the true essence of a “carioca” (a person from Rio de Janeiro). This type of tourism lets visitors experience the daily lives of the city’s residents, learn new skills like samba (a typical Brazilian dance), play a Brazilian musical instrument, discover recipes for traditional local dishes, and even participate in traditional events.
Experience tourism also helps with local development. It promotes economic growth in the region and improves the quality of life for residents by fostering relationships between visitors and local guides, artisans, small producers, and entrepreneurs. Additionally, it encourages the preservation of local habits, customs, and traditions.
Compartilhar o post :
